Your guide to maintaining a safe home

This guide provides tips for maintaining your home and preparing for risks, including natural disasters. Key sections cover: Fire Prevention: Install fire extinguishers and smoke detectors, practice an escape plan, and keep combustibles away from heating sources. Electrical Safety: Inspect outlets and avoid overloading circuits. Consider surge protection and lightning protection. Water Damage: Regularly check plumbing, hoses, and appliances for leaks. Maintain water heaters and install water detection alarms. Freezing …

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How to Clean a Bathroom Sink Drain

The article offers steps for keeping bathroom sink drains clean and unclogged: Cleaning the Drain Regularly: Remove Debris: Clean the drain weekly by removing debris from the stopper and rinsing it. Use Non-Corrosive Cleaners: Use biodegradable, non-corrosive cleaners like hydrogen peroxide once a month to kill bacteria. Monthly Cleaning with Household Products: Use salt, baking soda, vinegar, or lemon juice to clean and deodorize the drain. Unclogging a Bathroom Sink: …

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How to Choose a Water Softener

The article provides guidance on choosing a water softener. Key points include: Determine your needs: Choose the size based on your family and home size, research local regulations, and consider future home sale plans. Get the best value: Compare prices, ask about installation fees, research reputable companies, and consider renting a system. Explore alternatives: Salt-free water conditioners, water softening shower heads, or using aluminum sulfate for small amounts of water …

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How to Diagnose a Dishwasher Leak

This article discusses how to identify and fix leaks in dishwashers, which can lead to serious water damage, mold, and health risks. The steps for troubleshooting include: Check the Gaskets: Inspect the rubber gasket around the door for cracks or tears. If it doesn’t create a tight seal, replace it. Check the Hoses: Remove the kick plate to access hoses and check for leaks. Tighten loose clamps or replace damaged …

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The Empty Seat

Birthdays, anniversaries, lost teeth, proms, holidays, first day of school, choir concerts, basketball games, so many achievements and accomplishments both big and small. Feeling the need to cheer loud enough for two but always an empty seat next to me. Always a feeling of something missing and knowing it’s YOU. Knowing how proud you would be, imagining you with them as they grow and change from the child you only …

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Meet TWC’s Newest Columnist, Katie!

My name is Katie O’Connor. I pride myself on being a mother, wife, widow, writer, occasional comedian, licensed K-12 School Counselor, and sharer of my loss story so others don’t feel alone in theirs. First off, I am deeply sorry for your loss and the tragedy that has brought you here. However, I am happy you are seeking healing, hope, and whatever you need in your heart as you navigate …

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Dating After Loss: A Guide for Widows

The journey of considering dating after the loss of a spouse is a uniquely complex one. Grief, memories, and love for a partner who has passed intertwine with the human desire for connection and companionship. For many widows, navigating these waters can bring up a range of emotions, from hope to guilt, and questions like “Am I ready?” or “Is it okay to move forward?” This guide is meant to …

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The right (and wrong) things to say to a grieving friend

The article offers advice on how to support a grieving friend by sharing what to say—and what to avoid. Key tips include acknowledging the loss with empathy, saying things like “I’m here for you” or “I don’t have the right words,” and sharing memories of the deceased. It advises against using clichés or minimizing phrases like “at least they’re in a better place.” The article also stresses the importance of …

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Navigating Taxes as a Widow: Understanding and Overcoming the Widow Penalty

woman-doing-taxes

Navigating the tax system can be a daunting headache even under normal circumstances, but for widows dealing with the emotional and financial aftermath of losing a spouse, it can feel overwhelming. At The Widow Collaborative (TWC), we understand these challenges and are here to offer support. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing the “widow penalty” (survivor’s penalty), designed to help you avoid unexpected tax increases and further financial …

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Clearing the Fog: Understanding and Managing “Widow’s Brain”

A grieving woman with her head in her hands, experiencing "widow's brain" and emotional distress.

Grieving the loss of a spouse is one of the most profound and challenging experiences one can face. Alongside the emotional turmoil, many widows and widowers report experiencing cognitive difficulties often referred to as “widow’s brain” or “widow fog.” This term encapsulates a range of cognitive challenges, including memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and a general sense of mental fogginess. Understanding and managing these challenges is crucial for anyone navigating the …

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